Cardamom-flavored buns called semla filled with almond paste and topped with whipped cream are a Swedish treat traditionally made on Fat Tuesday, but can be served year round.
Preparation Time
45 mins
Cooking Time
14 mins
Total Time
59 mins
Calories
327 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Step 2
Mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
Step 3
Combine warm milk and melted butter in a bowl. Add yeast and stir until completely dissolved. Mix in eggs and cardamom. Stir in flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 4
Punch dough down gently and divide into 20 pieces; shape into balls. Arrange balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rise for about 45 minutes.
Step 5
Bake until golden brown, about 14 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 20 minutes.
Step 6
Pour some milk over the cores to moisten. Mix in almond paste until smooth. Continue adding small amounts of milk until filling resembles a thick pudding. Spoon almond paste filling into the center of the buns.
Step 7
Combine heavy cream and 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Step 8
Cut 1/2 inch off the top of each bun to make a 'lid.' Scoop out the core of the bun gently with a fork. Repeat with remaining buns, setting tops aside and placing cores in a large bowl.
Step 9
Top buns generously with whipped cream and place 'lids' on top. Use a sifter to dust tops with confectioners' sugar.
Ingredients
2 eggs
2 tablespoons white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 cups heavy whipping cream
5 ounces almond paste, grated
0.5 cup milk
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup white sugar
0.66666668653488 cup butter, melted
1.5 cups almond milk (heated to 82 degrees F (28 degrees C))
